Top 10 Most Visited Cities in South Korea 2024

Are you ready to dive into South Korea's vibrant culture and stunning nature? Our guide will take you to the top 10 cities you must visit in 2024. From Seoul's busy streets to Jeju's peaceful, South Korea has it all. Get ready to explore the best spots in these amazing cities¹.

Key Takeaways

• South Korea's top 10 cities in 2024 are full of diverse attractions, from busy cities to quiet nature spots.
• Seoul, the capital, is the top spot for visitors, with a mix of old and new sights.
• Jeju Island is a close second, famous for its beautiful volcanoes and unique culture.
• The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) lets visitors experience modern history up close.
• Busan, Gyeongju, and other cities highlight South Korea's efforts to keep its culture and nature alive.

10. Geoje

Geoje is a beautiful city off South Korea's southern coast. It's known for its stunning nature, history, and modern spots². Being the second biggest island in Korea, Geoje is famous for its many English speakers².

Historical Highlights

The Geoje POW Camp Museum is a key historical spot. It was a prisoner-of-war camp during the Korean War². Now, it lets visitors explore the island's past. Geoje also has many Buddhist temples, like the Tongdosa Temple, considered one of South Korea's three jewels.

The 'Haegeumgang + Oedo' tour is a favorite on Geoje Island². It shows off the island's beauty. Oedo Island, a private island, is filled with a 44,000-pyeong camellia forest and subtropical plants².

Outdoor lovers will enjoy Geoje's hiking, kayaking, and the Oedo Botania garden². Windy Hill is also a hit for its views and activities like jet boating and parasailing².

The Homigot Sunrise Plaza has the Hands of Harmony and the Sacred Fire Altar². The Millennium Eye turns the sun's infrared rays into heat, adding to its charm².

Geoje's beauty and history make it a top spot for travelers. It's perfect for those interested in ulsan tourist hotspots, jeju island travel, daegu sightseeing, gwangju tourist destinations, daejeon city guide, ulsan visitor hotspots, changwon points of interest, and incheon city tour³²⁴.

9. Daegu

Daegu is a city in South Korea that is full of life and history. It's known as the fourth-largest city and is famous for its textile industry, earning it the nickname "the City of Textiles."⁵ The city has a long history that goes back to prehistoric times. This makes it a great place for those who love to explore Korea's history.

Historical Highlights

The Seomun Market is a key spot in Daegu with roots in the Joseon dynasty⁶. Here, visitors can walk through narrow alleys and see stalls with traditional textiles, clothes, and food. It's a lively place that shows off the city's cultural side.

The Donghwasa Temple is another important site. It's a Buddhist temple in the mountains above Daegu. The temple's design and peaceful setting offer a break from the city's noise. It lets visitors feel connected to the area's spiritual and cultural roots.

Daegu also has traditional hanok villages that show off its old architecture. These areas have unique roofs and wooden buildings. They give visitors a peek into the past and the beauty of Korean culture.

But Daegu is more than just history. It's also a place of innovation and care for the environment. It won a prize for its work on urban streams and the Nakdonggang River in 2006⁷. Since 2016, it's been working on becoming a Smart City with AI robots and better bus systems⁷.

If you like history, culture, or new ideas, Daegu is a great place to visit⁷⁶⁵.

8. Gyeongju

Gyeongju is known as the "museum without walls." It's a city deeply tied to Korean history and culture. It was once the capital of the Silla Kingdom, one of the three ancient kingdoms of Korea. Today, it's filled with historical sites that take visitors back in time⁸.

Historical Highlights

The Gyeongju National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's full of royal tombs, temples, and pagodas from the Silla era⁸. The Cheomseongdae Observatory is a highlight, believed to be one of the oldest in the world⁸. Don't miss the Bulguksa Temple, a beautiful eighth-century Buddhist temple known for its stunning architecture and peaceful gardens⁸.

The Gyeongju National Museum has a vast collection of artifacts from the Silla era. This includes the Cheonmachong Tomb, found in 1973 with over 11,500 artifacts⁸. Another spot is the Anapji Pond, a man-made pond from the 7th century made by King Munmu to celebrate the unification of Korea⁸.

Gyeongju is a top spot for those wanting to dive into Korean history and culture. It's perfect for exploring daegu sights, gwangju destinations, and busan travel⁹. Spring and late autumn are the best times to visit, offering fewer crowds and pleasant weather to enjoy the city's daejeon points of interest and suwon local culture⁸.

Whether you're into incheon city guide, ulsan visitor spots, or gwangju art and culture, Gyeongju offers a unique look into Korea's past⁹. It's a city full of historical sites, cultural attractions, and natural beauty. Gyeongju is a must-see for anyone exploring the daegu culinary scene and the rich incheon airport transit experience in South Korea⁹⁸¹⁰.

7. Jeonju

Jeonju is a city in South Korea known for its deep history and traditional architecture¹¹. It has a population of 652,392 as of November 2022 and a density of 3,164 people per square kilometer¹¹. This makes Jeonju a lively place that mixes old and new well.

The Jeonju Hanok Village is at the heart of Jeonju's culture. It has over 800 traditional Korean hanok houses¹¹. Visitors can dive into the city's past by walking through charming alleys, visiting craft workshops, and trying traditional Korean food¹¹.

Historical Highlights

The Gyeonggijeon Shrine is a key historical site in Jeonju. It was built in the 15th century to honor the Joseon dynasty's first king¹¹. The Jeondong Catholic Church also shows the city's diverse faiths with its Gothic design.

Jeonju is famous for its cultural events, like the Jeonju International Film Festival¹¹. This festival draws movie fans from all over. The city's history, arts, and food make it a top spot for cultural exploration in South Korea¹¹.

"Jeonju's Hanok Village is a true gem, transporting visitors back in time to experience the essence of traditional Korean architecture and culture."

Key Fact	Value
Total Area of Jeonju	206.22 km² (79.62 sq mi)11
Average Annual Precipitation	1,299.3 mm11
Average Number of Snowy Days	24.4 days11
Record High Temperature	38.9°C (101.5°F)11
Record Low Temperature	-17.1°C (1.2°F)11
Major Universities	Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju National University of Education11

Jeonju is a top spot for travelers wanting to experience South Korea¹¹. You can explore the Jeonju Hanok Village, see historic sites, or enjoy local food. This city will surely make a lasting impression¹¹.

6. Incheon

Incheon is a big port city west of Seoul. It's a gateway to South Korea¹². With 2.9 million people¹², it's close to Seoul, just 40 km (25 mi) away¹². The city has a rich history and modern and traditional spots, offering a unique cultural experience.

Historical Highlights

The Korean Liberation Memorial is a key historical spot in Incheon. It honors the end of Japanese rule in Korea¹³. Wolmido Island is another must-see, with amusement parks, seafood, and sea views¹³. Jayu Park is dedicated to the Battle of Incheon during the Korean War.

Songdo District shows Incheon's modern side with skyscrapers and green spaces¹³. The Incheon Free Economic Zone was set up in 2003 to boost business and investment¹³.

Incheon is a great place for travelers because of its location and infrastructure¹⁴. It's close to Seoul and other cities, making it easy to explore South Korea's culture and history¹⁴.

"Incheon is a key hub for layovers as it offers various activities during layovers."

¹⁴

City	Population	Distance from Seoul
Seoul	9.6 million	-
Incheon	2.9 million	40 km (25 mi)
Busan	3.4 million	420 km (260 mi)
Daegu	2.4 million	-
Daejeon	1.5 million	-
Gwangju	1.4 million	-

5. Gangneung

Gangneung is a city in South Korea's Gangwon Province, known for its stunning coastline and rich culture¹⁵. It's the 5th most visited city in South Korea in 2024¹⁵. The city has a unique culture, separated by the Taebaek mountains¹⁵.

Historical Highlights

The Naksan Temple is a key historical site in Gangneung, dating back to the 7th century¹⁶. It's in the beautiful Naksan Mountains, attracting visitors with its architecture and history¹⁶. The Ojukheon House is another must-see, where the famous Korean scholar Yulgok Yi I was born¹⁵. This traditional house shows the country's intellectual and cultural past¹⁵.

The Gangneung Danoje Festival is a highlight, celebrating traditional customs and arts¹⁶. It's held on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar, known as Dano¹⁶. This festival is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and a big event in Gangneung¹⁶.

Gangneung also has a lively cafe culture¹⁶. It has over 900 cafes and 2,000 baristas¹⁶. Places like Bohemian Park I-choo Coffee Factory and Terarosa are famous¹⁶. For those who love the outdoors, the Gangneung Bau-gil Section 5 trekking course is a must-do¹⁶.

¹⁵ Gangneung is known for its Danoje folk festival and historical sites like the Ojukheon Museum¹⁵. It also has the popular Gyeongpo Beach¹⁵.

¹⁷ Gangneung is one of the top 10 most visited cities in South Korea in 2024¹⁷. It's famous for K-Drama filming locations and activities like visiting Nami Island and Gyeongpo Beach¹⁷. The Garden of Morning Calm is a highlight, with over 5,000 plants in 20 gardens¹⁷. Petite France and Italia Village are also popular, featured in "My Love From the Star."¹⁷

Gangneung is known for its seafood, buckwheat noodles, and sweet-and-spicy chicken¹⁷. Haslla Art World is a big attraction, covering 27 acres with sculpture parks and galleries¹⁷. Gangneung is a coastal city with many cultural and entertainment spots¹⁷. It's famous for its fresh seafood, makguksu, and dak-gangjeong markets¹⁷.

4. Jeju City

Jeju City is in the heart of South Korea's Jeju Island. It's a place where history meets stunning nature¹⁸. Visitors can see the Hallasan volcano and Jungmun Beach, among other sights¹⁹.

The Jeju Peace Museum is a key historical spot. It honors the Jeju Uprising, a movement from the 1940s¹⁸. The Manjanggul Lava Tube is another must-see. It's a natural wonder and a UNESCO site¹⁹.

Jeju City is great for outdoor lovers too. It leads to the Hallasan volcano and Jungmun Beach¹⁹. You can hike, explore forests, and see unique volcanic landscapes²⁰.

Jeju City is a top spot for travelers. It has culture, beauty, and easy ways to get around¹⁸¹⁹²⁰.

3. Seogwipo

Seogwipo is a city on Jeju Island's beautiful southern coast. It's a place where nature and culture come together²¹. Travelers love it for its stunning views, historical sites, and local experiences.

Historical Highlights

The Jeongbang Waterfall is a key attraction in Seogwipo. It's a 23-meter-high waterfall that falls right into the sea²². People have admired it for centuries, coming from all over to see its beauty.

Pyoseon Haevichi Beach is another must-see. It has lava rock formations that tell the story of Jeju Island's volcanic past²². Visitors can learn about the island's history and the forces that made its landscapes.

Seogwipo has traditional Korean villages like the Olle Trail. Here, visitors can see historic buildings and learn about local traditions²¹. It's a way to connect with Jeju Island's heritage and culture.

"Seogwipo is a city that seamlessly blends natural beauty and cultural richness, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the wonders of Jeju Island."

Seogwipo has something for everyone. You can enjoy its nature, history, or culture. It's a memorable spot for suwon places to visit, south korean urban travel, daegu visitor destinations, jeju island sightseeing, suwon city tour, and ulsan tourist attractions²¹²².

2. Busan

Busan is South Korea's second-largest city²³. It's known for its beautiful beaches, historic temples, and famous seafood markets. Visitors can see the Beomeosa Temple, an ancient Buddhist place in the mountains²³. It's a peaceful spot away from the busy city.

The Jagalchi Market is a key spot in Busan²³. It's the biggest seafood market in the country. Here, you can try fresh seafood and learn about local fishing. Near it, Haeundae Beach is a popular spot with lots of activities²³.

Busan has a subtropical climate²⁴. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are chilly. The city gets crowded in May, June, and July²⁴, when people come for festivals and outdoor fun. The Songdo Cable Car offers great views of the city²⁴.

Busan has a lot to offer, from culture to nature to city life²³²⁴²⁵. It's easy to get around with good public transport and many places to stay. Busan is a top spot for exploring South Korea's southern coast.

1. Seoul

Seoul is the vibrant capital of South Korea, blending its rich culture with modern life²⁶. It drew 17.5 million foreign tourists in 2019, ranking it the 20th most visited country²⁶. The city's charm comes from its mix of history and modern vibes.

The Gyeongbokgung Palace is a key historical spot, once home to the Joseon dynasty's royalty²⁷. Here, you can see the Changing of the Guard and admire the palace's stunning architecture and gardens. Bukchon Hanok Village is another must-see, with its traditional Korean houses showing off the country's past²⁷.

Namdaemun Market is a bustling traditional market, giving a peek into local life and culture²⁷. Gangnam district, with its high-end shops, top restaurants, and lively nightlife, shows Seoul's modern side²⁷.

Seoul boasts 16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, like Changdeokgung Palace and Namhansanseong²⁶. In 2019, tourism added 4.2% to Korea's GDP, supporting 4.8% of all jobs²⁶.

Seoul has something for everyone, from historical sites to lively markets and modern spots²⁶²⁷²⁸.

Conclusion

South Korea is a dynamic and diverse place that mixes old traditions with new trends²⁶. It goes from the busy city of Seoul to the beautiful island of Jeju, offering many things to see and do for visitors²⁶. Each city has its own special history, nature, and culture, making it a great place to visit²⁸.

Whether you like old palaces and temples, exciting food scenes, or beautiful nature, South Korea has it all²⁷. When planning your trip to South Korea, make sure to include these top 10 cities. They will make your visit unforgettable in the Land of the Morning Calm.

FAQ

What are the top 10 most visited cities in South Korea for 2024?

The top 10 most visited cities in South Korea for 2024 are: Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju, Ulsan, Suwon, Changwon, and Jeju Island.

What are the historical highlights in Geoje?

Geoje is known for the Geoje POW Camp, a museum from the Korean War. It also has the Tongdosa Temple, one of South Korea's three jewel temples.

What are the historical highlights in Daegu?

Daegu is famous for Seomun Market, a market since the Joseon dynasty. It also has the Donghwasa Temple, a Buddhist site in the mountains.

What are the historical highlights in Gyeongju?

Gyeongju is home to the Gyeongju National Park, a UNESCO site with royal tombs and temples. It also has the Bulguksa Temple, known for its beauty and peaceful gardens.

What are the historical highlights in Jeonju?

Jeonju features the Jeonju Hanok Village, a traditional Korean area with over 800 hanok houses. It also has the Gyeonggijeon Shrine, a 15th-century Confucian shrine.

What are the historical highlights in Incheon?

Incheon has the Korean Liberation Memorial, honoring Korea's freedom from Japan. It also has Jayu Park, dedicated to the Battle of Incheon in the Korean War.

What are the historical highlights in Gangneung?

Gangneung is known for the Naksan Temple, a 7th-century Buddhist site. It also has the Ojukheon House, where the famous Korean scholar Yulgok Yi I was born.

What are the historical highlights in Jeju City?

Jeju City is home to the Jeju Peace Museum, remembering the Jeju Uprising. It also has the Manjanggul Lava Tube, a natural wonder from ancient volcanoes.

What are the historical highlights in Seogwipo?

Seogwipo features the Jeongbang Waterfall, a 23-meter-high waterfall into the ocean. It also has Pyoseon Haevichi Beach, known for its lava rock formations.

What are the historical highlights in Busan?

Busan is known for the Beomeosa Temple, a historic Buddhist site in the mountains. It also has the Jagalchi Market, the biggest fish market in the country.

What are the historical highlights in Seoul?

Seoul includes the Gyeongbokgung Palace, a royal palace from the Joseon dynasty. It also has the Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional neighborhood with Korean houses.

Source Links

1. https://traveltriangle.com/blog/places-to-visit-in-south-korea/ - Top 28 Places In South Korea In 2024 That Bring Out The Vibrant Charm Of The Exotic Nation
2. https://us.trip.com/moments/geoje-si-14781/ - Geoje-si Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jul) on Trip Moments｜Trip.com Travel Guide
3. https://www.kimkim.com/c/10-days-in-south-korea-unique-itineraries - 10 Days in South Korea - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
4. https://www.booking.com/city/kr/geoje.html - 98 hotels in Geoje , South Korea.
5. https://www.afreesoulabroad.com/daegu-one-of-the-most-overlooked-cities-sk/ - Daegu: One Of The Most Overlooked Cities In Korea - A Free Soul Abroad
6. https://www.lingoclass.co.uk/10-best-places-to-visit-in-korea-in-2024 - 10 Best Places to Visit in Korea | 2024 | LingoClass
7. https://www.wbc2024.com/index.php?GP=korea/daegu - About Daegu
8. https://www.touropia.com/best-things-to-do-in-gyeongju/ - 10 Best Things to do in Gyeongju, South Korea
9. https://www.ksbns-apsn2024.org/content/general/tour.php - ::+:: 2024 KSBNS ::+::
10. https://www.tourradar.com/m/south-korea-august - 10 Best South Korea Tours in August 2024
11. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeonju - Jeonju
12. https://www.koreanfluent.com/cross_cultural/tips/korean-cities/largest-korean-cities.htm - 6 Largest Cities in South Korea
13. https://www.britannica.com/place/Incheon - Incheon | South Korea, History, Facts, & Population
14. https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/korea/2125109-20-hr-layover-incheon-seoul-worth-exploring-night.html - 20-hr layover in Incheon. Is Seoul worth exploring at night? - FlyerTalk Forums
15. https://www.touropia.com/best-cities-to-visit-in-south-korea/ - 15 Best Cities to Visit in South Korea
16. https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2024-02-26/culture/foodTravel/Get-your-Gangneung-on-and-experience-the-city-beyond-just-its-beach/1980511 - Get your Gangneung on and experience the city beyond just its beach
17. https://www.kimkim.com/c/k-drama-adventures-in-south-korea-9-days - K-Drama Adventures in South Korea: Seoul, Gangneung & Jeju Island - 9 Days
18. https://www.en-vols.com/en/getaways/travel/south-korea-cities-visit/ - South Korea: 7 must-visit cities in the Land of the Morning Calm
19. https://www.travellerspoint.com/forum.cfm?thread=122939 - South Korea 2024 - Travellerspoint Travel Forums
20. https://www.nz.kayak.com/Jeju-City.32610.guide - Jeju City Travel Guide | Jeju City Tourism - KAYAK
21. https://blog.bambatravel.com/south-korea-vacation-guide/ - A Comprehensive Guide to Your Vacation to South Korea in 2024
22. https://www.trip.com/moments/seogwipo-14755/ - Seogwipo Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jul) on Trip Moments｜Trip.com Travel Guide
23. https://theculturetrip.com/asia/south-korea/articles/the-10-most-beautiful-towns-in-south-korea - The 10 Most Beautiful Towns And Cities In South Korea
24. https://thebrokebackpacker.com/busan-itinerary/ - INSIDER BUSAN ITINERARY for (2024)
25. https://travel2next.com/cities-south-korea/ - 20 Cities in South Korea
26. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourism_in_South_Korea - Tourism in South Korea
27. https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/best-places-to-visit-in-seoul/ - 34 BEST Places to Visit in Seoul (2024 Attractions Guide)
28. https://www.koreanculture.org/korea-information-tourism - Korea Information - Tourism — Korean Cultural Center New York